Published on Mar 26, 2025 6 min read

Best Free Personal Finance Courses You Can Take Online Today

Managing money wisely is an important skill that helps you achieve your goals and live comfortably. Luckily, there are many free online courses available to teach you personal finance basics, so you can learn how to budget, save, and plan for the future. These courses are perfect for beginners or anyone looking to improve their financial knowledge without spending a dime. Start taking control of your finances today by exploring some of the best free personal finance courses online!

Why Learn About Personal Finance?

A person manages their money and assets through personal finance operations. The process requires selecting financial choices that determine both current and future financial health. Acquiring knowledge about personal finance teaches you to effectively handle your income together with your expenses and debt and investments and taxes.

Using established financial methods combined with budgeting and saving and investing knowledge will enable you to create decisions that reach your objectives. Having excellent personal finance knowledge protects you against getting entangled in financial schemes and fraudulent activities.

What You Will Learn in These Courses

The courses deliver essential education and abilities needed to handle your funds effectively and construct stable finances. Additional information on credit management insurance and real estate may be included in the course curriculum.

These educational courses let students determine their study speed and provide flexibility in pace. The program features interactive exercises together with quizzes and case studies and real-life examples to support application of your learning. These courses give you the chance to receive a completion certificate which you can include on your resume or use as an addition to your LinkedIn page.

1. Personal Finance 101 by Khan Academy

Free educational content from Khan Academy exists on their popular digital learning platform. The Personal Finance 101 course at Khan Academy provides students comprehensive knowledge of personal financial management through instruction about budgeting and saving and investing and retirement preparation.

You will grasp each idea completely through short video content and interactive tasks which form the basis of the course structure. noune who requires basic personal finance education or those needing simple refreshers would find this course ideal.

2. Introduction to Financial Planning by Coursera

This introductory course by Coursera is taught by a certified financial planner and covers the essentials of financial planning. It provides a comprehensive overview of personal finance topics such as budgeting, debt management, insurance, and retirement planning. The course also includes practical tips and tools to help you apply what you have learned in your own financial situation.

3. Managing Your Personal Finances by Alison

Alison is a popular online learning platform that offers free courses on various topics. Their Managing Your Personal Finances course covers the basics of personal finance, including budgeting, saving, investing, and taxes. It also includes modules on managing credit card debt and understanding insurance policies. With interactive assessments throughout the course, you can test your knowledge as you progress.

4. Financial Literacy by edX

This self-paced course by edX aims to improve financial literacy by covering key financial concepts such as budgeting, saving, and investing. It also delves into more advanced topics, such as retirement planning and estate planning. The course is taught by experts from the University of California, Irvine, and includes real-life examples to help you understand the practical applications of personal finance concepts.

5. Personal & Family Financial Planning by Utah State University

This course by Utah State University covers a wide range of personal finance topics, including financial goal setting, budgeting, credit management, and investing. It also offers a module on family financial planning which provides valuable information for individuals with families or those looking to start one in the future. With interactive tools such as calculators and quizzes, this course allows you to apply what you have learned in a practical manner.

6. Personal Finance Planning by Udemy

Udemy is a popular online learning platform that offers both free and paid courses on various subjects. Their Personal Finance Planning course provides an in-depth look into topics such as budgeting, saving, debt management, and retirement planning. It also includes modules on investing basics and tax planning strategies. With lifetime access to the course materials, you can revisit the content whenever needed.

7. Financial Basics for Millennials by Investopedia Academy

This course by Investopedia Academy is specifically designed for millennials who are looking to improve their financial literacy and make smart financial decisions. It covers basic personal finance topics, such as budgeting and saving, as well as more advanced concepts like investing in the stock market and real estate. With engaging videos and quizzes, this course makes learning about personal finance both informative and enjoyable.

8. Personal Finance Essentials by FutureLearn

FutureLearn is an online learning platform that offers a diverse range of courses from top universities and organizations. Their Personal Finance Essentials course covers all the essential concepts of personal finance, including budgeting, saving, credit management, investments, and retirement planning. It also includes case studies to help you understand real-life scenarios and apply your knowledge effectively.

Financial Planning for Young Adults by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

This course by MIT is targeted towards young adults who are just starting their careers and need guidance in managing their money. It covers fundamental personal finance topics, such as budgeting, saving, credit management, and investing. The course also provides insight into financial decision-making and how to set achievable financial goals. With a combination of lectures and quizzes, you can test your understanding of the material as you progress through the course.

10. Personal Finance for Artists & Freelancers by CreativeLive

CreativeLive is an online platform that offers courses primarily focused on creative fields. Their Personal Finance for Artists & Freelancers course is tailored specifically to individuals in these industries who may have unique income streams and financial needs. It covers budgeting, taxes, pricing strategies, and investment options for artists and freelancers. This course provides valuable information for those looking to manage their finances while pursuing a creative career path.

Conclusion

Taking control of your personal finances is a crucial step toward achieving financial stability and independence. Whether you are a young adult starting out, a seasoned professional, or a freelancer navigating irregular income, there are resources available to guide you. The courses highlighted above cater to diverse needs and provide valuable skills in budgeting, saving, investing, and beyond. By investing time in learning about personal finance, you can build a strong foundation for a secure and successful financial future.